Political Intrigue, Historical Setting 权谋，古风

1. 101 山 How Many Autumns Have Passed Over These Rivers and Mountains 山河几度秋 Jiang Xiaoyu江小雨Ancient Romance572k WordsCompleted In the first half of Zhao Lanxi's life, three men mattered most to her. One was her master, who had raised her; another was Yan Mo, the Vice Minister of Justice, who had recognized her talent; and the third was her full-blooded older brother, Zhao Jin, Duke of Zhenguo. Later, her master died, and Yan Mo died too. Zhao Jin, however, did not die. Not only was he alive, he also brought her a fourth man. One more thing: why does the heroine of a historical romance have to be a girl of fourteen or fi 55Reads6.0Score—Shelves

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   The male and female leads are both intelligent, and the female lead's brother is also incredibly capable, with a role no less prominent than the male lead's, making him a true member of the main cast. The supporting characters are equally competent and formidable, making for a well-rounded and competitive group. To vindicate the loyal ministers and generals who died unjustly, let's bring down this incompetent and corrupt emperor!

2. 102 别 Parting Blade 别刃 Not ins, Okay不ins啊Ancient Romance190k WordsCompleted I was forced to marry the all-powerful regent. They say he’s cruel and bloodthirsty, and that he’s caused three princess consorts to die. But on our wedding night, he removed my phoenix crown himself. “Don’t be afraid. I’ve been waiting a long time for you to try to kill me.” My dagger fell to the ground. He already knew I was a spy sent to kill him. Later, he supported me by the waist as we ascended the throne in the enemy kingdom’s great hall, then bit my earlobe and chuckled: “Be good, darlin 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Although it's a bit cold, it's a really good and grand novel. You can tell the female lead is a self-reliant and proactive "strategist," not the kind of clever person who just has some kind of cheat code. It's a pure historical romance with political intrigue [kiss]. The romance isn't the dramatic, sweeping kind, but that's precisely what makes their relationship so deep and memorable. The ending is also very moving; it depicts a peaceful and prosperous era, a society where the emperor and empress rule together, where women can achieve success, and where the people live in peace and contentment [kiss].

3. 103 凤 The Phoenix Returns: A Conspiracy 凤归谋 Tao Zhijiuying桃栀久耀Ancient Romance556k WordsCompleted [Historical fantasy with a powerful heroine, political intrigue, and satisfying revenge] [No transmigration + no rebirth + no System] Peach blossoms bloom in their splendor, their fiery beauty never fading. The phoenix returns to its home, then takes to the skies once more. Feng Xihe said: From childhood, I studied military texts and histories and trained in horsemanship, archery, and the art of war. Of the four arts, I devoted myself only to calligraphy, because Father said an emperor’s handwr 1.2kReads9.1Score128Shelves

   Reader note

   The female-led sovereignty movement is a political maneuver; everyone is brainwashed.

4. 104 千 Princess of a Thousand Lifetimes: The Flirtatious Prince’s Beloved 千世王妃，风流王爷的心尖宠 Mu Xiaofan沐筱梵Ancient Romance317k WordsOngoing In the modern world, you tried to steal my husband from me. Now that we’ve come to ancient times, you’re still trying to steal him. No matter how carefully you scheme, no matter how many tricks you use, no matter what you do, my husband is still mine. I wasn’t afraid of you in the modern world, so I have even less reason to fear you now that we’re in the past. If you want a fight, you’ve got one! It’s just my poor husband who can’t get a word in edgewise. He has to wait on me hand and foot, clea 1Reads—Score—Shelves

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   Ancient Chinese romance, political intrigue, both male and female leads are intelligent.

5. 105 崇 Chongzhen: My Life Has Been on Thin Ice 崇祯：我这一生如履薄冰 The Clear Breeze Chases Dust, Leaving No Common Souls Behind清风逐尘不留俗人Historical2.0M WordsOngoing (An immersive experience of Zhu Youjian's life and the true nature of the chaos at the end of the Ming dynasty! Not a power fantasy!) At the end of the thirty-eighth year of the Wanli reign, a report that Liaodong postal couriers had frozen to death was being used by a eunuch to prop up a table leg. The rice wasted at banquets by wealthy gentry in Jiangnan was worth more than three years of disaster relief in Shaanxi. Nanmu timber for the construction of the three great halls in the Forbidden Ci 668Reads6.4Score103Shelves

   Reader note

   Here are a few captivating new historical time-travel novels. These excellent works feature smooth and natural writing, logical and rigorous plots, and a profound historical foundation. The first book, in particular, boasts vividly portrayed characters who are not merely plot devices. Each character is fleshed out, experiencing joy and sorrow, scheming and calculating. The emperor, the sole pillar of the realm, is lonely and suspicious, employing the art of checks and balances; the concubines, scheming and manipulative, use all means to secure their favor and rise in rank, their cleverness backfiring, harming both themselves and others; powerful ministers, to maintain their power and protect their vested interests, form cliques, frame and eliminate dissidents, engaging in factional strife; while the common people struggle for survival at the bottom of society. In short, the world is a chessboard, everyone is a pawn, but who is the one holding the pieces? Love, hate, anger, and infatuation are forged into a fiery passion, each word striking a chord deep within the heart. Without resorting to sentimentalism, it moves readers to tears, allowing them to share the characters' joys and sorrows. The struggles of ordinary people reflect the grand sweep of history, their individual destinies intertwined yet swept along by the tides of time. The plot is meticulously crafted, with foreshadowing and hidden threads seamlessly connected, maintaining a rigorous logic and a grand scope. The political structure of the imperial court is consistent with the historical context, and the writing possesses a cinematic quality comparable to a film script. Readers learn a great deal about history and culture while enjoying the read. A highly recommended five-star book!

6. 106 谋 Scheming for the World 谋略天下 The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss潜龙在渊Historical211k WordsOngoing In an age of great turmoil, the Marquis of Luocheng in the State of Yu seizes power through a coup, using methods that are both brilliant and despicable. Amid the rebellion, two infants are accidentally allowed to escape: Ziyu, a prince of the State of Shan, later renamed Wujiu, and Yuyan, a prince of the State of Yu, later renamed Zhao Yang. The two close friends are taken in, one after the other, by the mysterious Yi family, whose mission is to “uphold Heaven's will and bring peace to the land 3Reads—Score—Shelves

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   A high-stakes power struggle with brilliant intellect and superb writing.

7. 107 藏 The Guide to Concealed Beauties 藏娇引 Zhi Ge Wen Mo止戈问墨Eastern Fantasy793k WordsCompleted Winter. The last of the snow. Her sword is moonlight. Her poison is honey. Her name is a secret. Purple robes, swift as lightning. A woman, like a poem. The world knows Princess Jinning, Zhao Qingli, only as a living portrait of a court lady, hidden deep within the palace. Little does anyone know that she is also the Sword God’s sole disciple and a once-in-a-century genius of the Tang Sect. Her sword is called Purple Lightning. When it leaves its scabbard, it flashes like a startled swan reflect 35Reads—Score—Shelves
8. 108 公 The Princess and the Sword Immortal 公主与剑仙 Zhi Ge Wen Mo止戈问墨Eastern Fantasy1.4M WordsCompleted Atop Lock Dragon Peak, snow falls without a sound. Xiao Jianqiu, the “Lone Shadow Sword Immortal,” is invincible beneath heaven with his gleaming blade. He watches the clouds drift by, seeking nothing more than freedom and ease. The martial world? Just a place where grudges are settled and swords do the talking. In Jinling, behind the deep walls of the imperial palace, Princess Zhaoyang Zhao Jin is born to privilege, yet finds the palace walls too high and her life too stifling. The court? Nothi 2.3kReads—Score192Shelves
9. 109 李 Li Chengqian: I Really Don't Want to Be Emperor 李承乾：我真不想当皇帝 I'm Almost Out of Battery我快没电了Historical1.0M WordsCompleted In 643 AD, the seventeenth year of the Zhenguan era, Crown Prince Li Chengqian was accused of plotting rebellion, stripped of his title, and exiled to Qianzhou. A year and a half later, he died at the age of twenty-six. When news reached Chang'an, Li Shimin was overcome with grief and wept uncontrollably. Li Chengqian had thought his life was over. But when he opened his eyes again, he found himself back on the eve of his rebellion. Given a second life, he would reclaim everything that had once 2.8kReads6.9Score174Shelves
10. 110 穿 Transmigrated, Dragged into Trouble, and Sent into Exile with My Whole Family 穿越之被连累后带着全家去流放 Bored Cat Planet无聊猫星Ancient Romance343k WordsOngoing [Exile] [Survival] [Growth] [Coming of Age] [Ensemble Cast] Luo Shang was among the first children born after the apocalypse. From elementary school on, all she learned was how to kill monsters and survive. When she grew up, her stepfather sold her to a powerful base leader as a breeding resource. After finally escaping the base, she was surrounded by monsters and lost her life. But when she opened her eyes again, she had transmigrated into the body of a young lady from a wealthy family. Her aun 8Reads8.5Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The female protagonist, exiled to another world, possesses formidable martial arts skills at a young age. She is decisive and ruthless, ensuring that anyone threatening her or those around her will not survive to the next day! The female lead has no romantic subplot; she is a strong and beautiful woman. Come and experience it!

11. 111 为 A Life of Servitude 为婢 Qiaoqiao the Loach桥桥小泥鳅Ancient Romance389k WordsCompleted Xiao Lu was held hostage for ten years. I stayed by his side, living as if we were husband and wife. When he was rescued and returned to the State of Zhao, I became the most shameful kind of person at his side: a slave from the State of Chu. A maid, insignificant and easily overlooked. I watched him marry a beautiful woman, watched him host banquets for his guests. I watched him become a prince, watched him bask in glory. Later, on the eve of my wedding, I heard that he had burned his boats and 5.1kReads8.7Score535Shelves

    Reader note

    Xiao Lü was held hostage for ten years, and I stayed by his side, like husband and wife. When he was rescued and returned to Zhao, I became his most despised "Chu slave," a mere maidservant, utterly insignificant. I watched him marry a beautiful woman, watched him host banquets, watched him be crowned king, watched his glory. Later, on the eve of my wedding, I heard that he risked everything, burning his boat on the river, just to see me one last time. [Heart]

12. 112 祖 Grandmother Told Daiyu No One Dares Make Her Unhappy 祖母告诉黛玉，没人敢惹她不顺心 Move Aside, I'm About to Shine闪开要发光了Female-Channel Fanfiction1.1M WordsCompleted The old matriarch of the Lin family died in the most prosperous year of the Lin residence in Gusu, when the family had been marquises for four generations and its members came from generations of distinguished officials. Before she died, she saw her son, Lin Ruhai, place third in the imperial examinations, take office at the Censorate, and become the Imperial Commissioner of Salt Transport. At last, she could close her eyes in peace and go to join the Lin family’s ancestors. But buried in the Li 1.7kReads7.0Score141Shelves
13. 113 解 Sheathing the Armor 解甲 Eight Strips Watch the Snow八条看雪Ancient Romance829k WordsCompleted “Legend has it that the sharpest weapon in this world is called Disarm. Born from the unwavering devotion of two people in love, it can break down anyone's defenses.” 825Reads9.2Score230Shelves

    Reader note

    One of the few truly good books, tightly paced, engaging, and unconventional.

14. 114 金 A Noble Daughter? She'd Rather Seize the Desert with Her Blade 金枝玉叶？她偏要刀定龙沙 Chi Wu持吾Ancient Romance243k WordsCompleted Slow-burn, old-school romance · The imperial princess Shen Mianmian She was the most honored princess of the Great Sheng and the fiercest blade on the western frontier. Her father said she belonged among silks and brocades, counting stars, but she insisted on riding out with a blade in hand, scattering blossoms into the yellow sands. He was gentle as a teacher! A secret romance that grew into love? He was a scheming fox of a man! A love he would seize by force? He was determined to marry a princ 86Reads7.3Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A strong female lead, political intrigue, and a romantic partner.

15. 115 扶 Fusu: This Time, I'm Claiming the Throne 扶苏：这一次皇位我坐定了 Dumb Cat Isn't That Dumb呆猫不呆呆Historical1.2M WordsOngoing [Great Qin] [Political Intrigue] [Conquest] [No System] I am Fusu, the eldest prince of Great Qin. The heavens have given me another chance at life, and this time I will reclaim everything that belongs to me. In this age of fierce contention, anyone with the blood to fight will rise up and struggle. How could I let Great Qin fall after only two generations? I will quell internal strife, bring the Hundred Schools of Thought under my banner, strike the Xiongnu in the north, pacify the Baiyue in th 30Reads6.7Score—Shelves
16. 116 梅 Plum Blossoms Fade, Yet Their Secret Fragrance Returns 梅烬又有暗香来 Chi Wu持吾Ancient Romance312k WordsCompleted [Old-school flavor + slow-burn, richly layered romance] I said, “This is for the best. This way, you’ll remember how good I was to you forever...” He said, “This is not for the best. Just when you loved me most, I chose to let you go...” The bright moon over Shengjing shines upon my borderland armor... In the storybooks, she is the woman general who has renounced love and shed blood on the frontier; In the powerful chancellor’s eyes, she is a red plum that does not vie with peach or plum blossom 165Reads8.8Score—Shelves
17. 117 锦 A Match Made in Splendor, Her Beauty Rules the World 锦绣良缘之男颜倾天下 Su Ang苏盎Ancient Romance232k WordsCompleted Shen Heng was an unremarkable young lady among the official families of Shangjing. Aside from her somewhat striking looks, the one thing that made people take notice was her “remarkable achievement” of being jilted by the Prime Minister’s legitimate son. 3.7kReads9.7Score586Shelves
18. 118 重 Reborn, I Decide to Become a Monk from the Start 重生归来，开局我要出家 A Pile of Tea一堆茶Ancient Romance505k WordsOngoing 73Reads7.0Score—Shelves
19. 119 我 I’m Just a Restaurant Owner, So Why Does Everyone Keep Showing Up to Die? 我只是个酒楼老板怎么都来送人头 Jing Yan Yu璟烟雨Two Male Leads275k WordsCompleted “I just want to run a restaurant! Why does everyone keep showing up to get themselves killed?” [One-on-One Romance + BL + Historical Fantasy + Political Intrigue + Mind Games + Two Powerful Leads + A Touch of Mystery + A Little Goofy + Dual POV, Mostly the Bottom’s] "This is a fictional historical setting, so don’t take it as fact!!" Sharp-tongued and proud on the outside, stubborn but soft-hearted beauty on the inside × A carefree playboy on the surface, but a clever, loyal wolf-dog underneat 38Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The author personally recommends this story. It begins with crime-solving and later turns into a scheme. It features a Dali Temple Vice Minister and the owner of Jingwanlou. The later parts might be a bit mind-bending (because I've left quite a few plot holes). It will probably end in about 70,000 to 80,000 words.

20. 120 回 Back in the Ming Dynasty as the Emperor's Grandson 回到大明当皇孙 Tea Books and Goldfish茶书金鱼Historical1.2M WordsOngoing My name is Zhu Yingying. I am the eldest legitimate grandson of the Great Ming. My grandfather is Zhu Yuanzhang, founding emperor of the Great Ming. With a single thought, flowers bloom, and I rule over the capital, forging a glorious Great Ming unlike any other. (This is not a transmigration story. Zhu Yingying simply gains a set of memories from a later age, and this is a story of the Great Ming told from his perspective.) 201Reads8.9Score—Shelves
21. 121 我 My Grandpa Is the Daoist Emperor 我爷爷是道士皇帝 Bald Li San光头李三Historical3.1M WordsCompleted His grandfather practices Daoist arts and seeks medicinal remedies. He won't live in the imperial palace, preferring a Daoist temple... His father is a womanizer who stays in the palace, working tirelessly as a busy little bee in the imperial harem... Young Zhu Yijun quietly watches them perform from the sidelines, thinking to himself, “Now that you're done, it's my turn to put on a show...” 71.8kReads9.0Score7.3kShelves
22. 122 风 Unrivaled Elegance: The Noble Lady Returns 风华绝代之贵女重临 Green Plums and Pears青梅梨子Ancient Romance130k WordsOngoing The tags are wrong. This is not a female-oriented derivative work. This novel has a happy ending: they both die, so it's a happy ending. [Older man and coercive romance + childhood sweetheart, young general + redemption + a sharp-tongued heroine who could kill with her words + a stuffy nerd who falls madly in love] After her family is massacred, the emperors of all three kingdoms fall in love with her, but she is focused on revenge and ignores the men completely. The male lead begs desperately f —Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    I highly recommend this ancient romance novel. Don't ask me why it's so good; it was created just for you when you're looking for something to read!

23. 123 桃 Peach Blossoms Topple the River and Mountains 桃花折江山 Egrets in Pairs白鹭成双Ancient Romance712k WordsCompleted The TV drama Peach Blossoms Reflecting on the Mountains and Rivers, starring Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi. Zhao has a beauty named Taohua. Her fate is full of hardship, and she is married off to Wei far away. All she wants is to stay alive and climb her way up. Wei has a handsome chancellor who is ruthless and sharp-tongued, sweet on the surface but treacherous within. He cares nothing for anyone's life, so long as he gets what he wants. Taohua thinks everyone loves beautiful things. Surely he can't 395Reads9.0Score114Shelves
24. 124 隆 The Longqing Restoration 隆庆中兴 Resting Cloud休息的云Historical5.4M WordsCompleted I transmigrate as Zhu Zaihou, but I won’t be a little sycophant. For the sake of tribute and trade, I dare to wage righteous war. I open the passes and command the four seas, my proclamations reaching the eight directions. The people receive sweet rain, and the dynasty flourishes forever. Alas! I would rather be a man of the Longqing era than aspire to rule like Yao and Shun. 8.8kReads8.5Score756Shelves
25. 125 祈 Pray for Dawn 祈明 Shi Wei诗尾Ancient Romance199k WordsCompleted After one crushing defeat, Qi Min, undefeated in a hundred thousand-strong army, was captured alive by Chu Yu. Only then did Chu Yu discover that General Qi Min, who had always been his equal and faced him in open rivalry, was actually a young woman. “Three thousand miles of campaigns, a single sword holding back a million foes.” The world knew General Qi for reclaiming the borderlands and winning renown across the realm, but not for the turbulent life she had endured behind that glory. Qi Min t 1kReads9.1Score136Shelves

    Reader note

    The female lead is dressed as a man.

26. 126 宁 Ning Yan: When Women Rule the Roost 宁兖，牝鸡司晨 Books Bring True Wealth有书真富贵Historical168k WordsOngoing [Ensemble political intrigue + entrusted heir + factional strife + expansion of the realm + redressing an old injustice] [Wronged powerful minister male lead x emperor female lead disguised as a man] Also known as "After I Blundered into the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Was the Imperial Family" On a winter night in the seventh year of Chengxu, Emperor Zhao Ning Fu suddenly went mad. Wearing the robes of his favorite consort, Yan, he climbed the bell tower and rang the funeral bell before fall 189Reads—Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    A ensemble drama of power struggles, including the entrustment of a young heir, factional infighting, territorial expansion, the redress of old grievances, and counter-espionage. No time travel, no idiotic supporting characters. Also known as "After Accidentally Entering the Imperial Family, I Discovered I Am the Imperial Family."

27. 127 朕 I Am Hongli, Building a Golden Age for the Qing Dynasty 朕是弘历打造大清盛世 Third Aunt from the Farm农家三姑Historical1.4M WordsOngoing [Political Intrigue + Harem Rivalries + Factional Strife + Romance + Emperor] Hongli ascended the throne at twenty-five and ruled for sixty years, making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived emperor in history. He governed with diligence, excelling in both civil and military affairs, and led the Qing to the height of its golden age. Yet factional strife raged through the court, conflicts in the deep palace never ceased, and danger lurked behind the splendor. In the end, the golden age ga 15.7kReads8.3Score435Shelves

    Reader note

    This historical novel is absolutely fantastic! So exciting!

28. 128 挽 Saving the Ming: The Great Ancestor of the Ming 挽明：明圣祖 Scholar's Holy Envoy朴学圣使Historical1.6M WordsCompleted Li Min, a history enthusiast, unexpectedly transmigrated into the Ming dynasty as Zhu Youxiao, the carpenter emperor. He panicked. Even a history ignoramus knew that the Ming dynasty had only a little over twenty years left. Worse still, he would rule for only seven years, then die under mysterious circumstances. What was he supposed to do? Would he accept fate, or fight back? See how he struggles to survive in the waning years of the Ming dynasty. 51Reads6.6Score—Shelves
29. 129 慈 Empress Dowager Cixi and Her Three Favored Eunuchs 慈禧皇后与她的三个宠爱太监 Farmer Third Young Master农家三少Historical3.7M WordsCompleted [Eunuchs + Palace Secrets + Empress Dowager Cixi + Court Intrigue] From the time Empress Dowager Cixi entered the palace to the day she ruled from behind the curtain, she shared an unusual relationship with three eunuchs: An Dehai, Li Lianying, and Xiao Dezhang. They were like master and servants, like friends, and more than anything, like old companions. She doted on the three eunuchs, who relied on her favor to do as they pleased, throw their weight around, and take part in court affairs. This 51.3kReads9.0Score3.2kShelves

    Reader note

    The historical novel is absolutely brilliant and very enjoyable.

30. 130 明 Late Ming: Dawn Drives Out the Night 明末，天明驱夜 The Skipping Rabbit溜溜的兔子Historical2.7M WordsOngoing [Traditional historical fiction] [No System] [Not pure wish fulfillment] [The unique power struggles of the Ming Dynasty] [Unraveling how power shifts and collapses] At the end of the Ming Dynasty, demons and monsters run rampant. Civil officials cling like parasites and drain the country dry; military nobles scheme over national policy; the emperor is consumed by lust for power; border garrisons are little better than bandits; the central court is riven by intrigue; local officials take their 2.6kReads8.7Score242Shelves
31. 131 饮 Poisoned Wine 饮鸩 A Copper Coin一枚铜钱Ancient Romance277k WordsCompleted [Strong Female Lead + Revenge + Family Feuds + Powerful Male and Female Leads + Happy Ending] [A lovesick, scheming ancient heroine vs. a pitiable, adorable male lead with a tragic past; revenge gives way to devoted love] A Gu died, poisoned by someone. Three years later, she came to the capital with a jug of poisoned wine and set out to kill them all. What you owed me back then, I will repay a hundredfold! 1.4kReads9.1Score187Shelves

    Reader note

    Recommended by a bookworm of over ten years [Learned it][Learned it] Great!

32. 132 回 Back in the Zhenguan Era as the Crown Prince 回到贞观当太子 Cang Sheng苍笙Historical1.5M WordsCompleted "A sagely ruler embodies the virtue of an emperor, pacifying the people within and suppressing the barbarians without. He is endowed with the pure, unyielding essence of Heaven and Earth and the refined beauty of rivers and mountains. His talent surpasses all in his age, his spirit towers over the ages, his wisdom is enough to understand all the world's changes, and his courage is enough to seize command from an entire army. Brilliant as jade atop a peak, vast as the moon reflected on water, he 2.2kReads8.2Score110Shelves
33. 133 将 The General Is Ready to Wed 将军待嫁 Dream Three Lifetimes梦三生Ancient Romance353k WordsCompleted The accomplished female general Zhao Chongyi defies an imperial decree and flees her arranged marriage. Zhou Wenran, notorious master of the Tianqi Pavilion, is ordered to capture her. Though they have never met, the two clash briefly in the dark and both end up badly wounded. Zhao Chongyi tumbles off a cliff... When she wakes, she has become Shu Xiaoman, the second daughter of the Shu family in Dongli Town at the foot of the mountain. She also finds a handsome man who has “lost his memory.” The 573Reads9.3Score102Shelves
34. 134 凤 Farewell to the Phoenix Coffin: One Palace, Two Kingdoms 凤棺辞：一宫风月，两方山河 A Big Tingting一只大婷婷Ancient Romance460k WordsCompleted The phoenix crown is a splendid ornament for a coffin, and the empress's throne is a foreordained death trap. The position of empress, shunned by every consort in the palace, falls to Wen Xiwan, a low-born concubine. One day she's tending a little vegetable garden in the palace laundry, and the next she's seated upon the phoenix throne. Everyone is certain she's only waiting to be buried in the imperial mausoleum. Pei Yuan, the chief minister who put her on the throne, did so only to find an exp 153Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    It's really good. You can tell the author put a lot of effort into writing it. Five stars! Thank you for your hard work.

35. 135 偏 The Cold Palace's Abandoned Empress and Her Obsessive Tyrant 偏执暴君的冷宫弃后 Cocoluo Eighteen可可罗十八Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted The main story is complete. [Classic historical setting + political intrigue and romance + no palace infighting + the second male lead wins] [The heroine is slow to recognize romantic feelings. Only three male leads are lovesick over her] Xie Tiange, a Cold Palace prisoner released in a general amnesty, seems insignificant, yet her origins are a mystery. No one knows she is the beloved of the ruthless emperor who imprisoned her for three years, not even Xie Tiange herself. She has no idea she is 86Reads8.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue, super good!

36. 136 被 Forced to Divorce, Her Five Brothers Go on a Rampage 被迫休夫后，五个哥哥杀疯了 A Lifetime of Splendor一世风华Ancient Romance1.1M WordsCompleted Shen Ning gave up her beloved spear to cook for the man she loved. She broke with her father, a veteran general of Great Yan, and didn’t speak to him for three years. Her husband, the victorious General Who Guards the Nation, returned in triumph with a woman who was a master of the spear. After three years of hard work, all she got was: “A Ning, I want to marry her.” Shen Ning, who had become the laughingstock of the capital after her husband favored his concubine and cast aside his wife, picked 7.2kReads9.4Score1.1kShelves
37. 137 大 The Tang Crown Prince 大唐皇太子 Invincible Big Watermelon无敌大西瓜Historical1.3M WordsCompleted One day a crown prince, the next a commoner. Li Chengqian ultimately brought about his own downfall. Then one day, I suddenly became him. In this unfamiliar era, I had planned to settle down and live quietly. But someone wanted to wipe out every last trace of me. If that's how it is, then I'll have no choice but to risk everything. I'll stake my life to reclaim all that I've lost. 3kReads8.3Score197Shelves
38. 138 墨 The Ink Moon Halberd: Love and Revenge in the Western Regions 墨月戟：西域情仇 White Rice Dumpling白水粽Ancient Romance1.2M WordsCompleted [No AI, entirely written by hand; court intrigue and an ensemble cast, with a traditional plot-driven narrative] [Subtle emotions, sweeping warfare, vivid characters] Beyond Yumen Pass lie the great desert and the Tianshan Mountains. With half Han heritage and half Hu blood, he was born amid the flames of a chaotic age, as the Han and the Xiongnu fought over the Western Regions. In a dreamlike lifetime, he saved the Cheshi princess and uncovered the fated bond between them as husband and wife in 158Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    [Completed] How can a small country on the Silk Road resist the brutal Xiongnu without intrigue and the power of the Han Dynasty? — Set against the backdrop of the war between the Han and Xiongnu in the Western Regions, this story explores intrigue, national righteousness, past lives, and destined love.

39. 139 贞 The Winds of Zhenguan 贞观风云 A Life of Tragedy生命致殇Historical151k WordsCompleted The Outcast, second only to the emperor and above everyone else, was a man whose status seemed peerless in the eyes of others. Naturally, his father thought so too. But no one ever considered what the Crown Prince wanted. 1.1kReads8.2Score107Shelves
40. 140 皇 The Game of Imperial Power, the Scroll of the Realm 皇权弈，山河卷 All the Names I Could Think Of Were Taken想起的名字都被起完了Ancient Romance408k WordsCompleted Everyone said Su Wanli, the legitimate daughter of the Duke's estate, was a frail beauty who could barely walk without gasping for breath and had little time left to live. But no one knew that she was also the master of Tingfeng Tower, the greatest intelligence network in the martial world, as well as a royal orphan of the previous dynasty, pulling the strings from within a glittering world. At a palace banquet, the Crown Prince and the aristocratic clans joined forces to pressure her into marri 407Reads—Score116Shelves

    Reader note

    The characters in the imperial court are incredibly vivid, depicting the power struggles and intelligence battles among powerful clans. The protagonist goes from seeking refuge at a palace banquet to stirring up trouble, with constant plot twists and turns, making each chapter very engaging!

41. 141 大 The Great Qi Marquis of One Step 大齐一步侯 A Single Thought of Nothingness一念无Historical846k WordsCompleted [Alternate history, airtight logic, a treat to listen to, multiple heroines, lighthearted daily life, the jianghu and court politics, love and hate, national and family vendettas...] A modern-day criminal investigator transmigrates into the body of a minor official in the State of Qi. At first, his only dream is to stay alive. But when foreign barbarians invade the Central Plains, slaughtering and pillaging until the kingdom falls and families are torn apart, he has no choice but to enter the fr 16.3kReads8.2Score984Shelves

    Reader note

    This is a historical fiction novel of exceptionally high quality, perfect for both listening and reading. It boasts clear logic, well-developed characters, a rich plot, and a tightly woven narrative. A non-clichéd, fast-paced read—please enjoy!

42. 142 大 Plum Blossoms Bloom Brightly Across the Ming Empire 大明天下梅花艳艳开 Sanxiang Daishui三湘带水Eastern Fantasy1.7M WordsOngoing Wuxia + history + imperial court + bloodshed + political intrigue + multiple female leads + not a harem + not a wish-fulfillment power fantasy. Plum Blossom Manor, the guardians of a village in Huaxia. Nixiào, the ninety-ninth-generation young manor lord, secretly leaves the manor at fourteen, only to encounter an unknown force plotting against the Great Ming... 509Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Wuxia (martial arts), court intrigue, bloodshed, power struggles. Historical fiction, ancient style, semi-classical Chinese, full of archaic phrases—if you can't understand it, don't read! Multiple female leads, not a harem. Not a wish-fulfillment story, slow pace—enter at your own risk!

43. 143 嫡 The Eldest Princess 嫡长公主 Jun Su君素Fantastical Romance213k WordsCompleted As a princess destined to inherit the throne, Lu Ning is at her wit’s end. Her younger brother, the only other person in the family who could inherit the throne, has run away from home. With the throne suddenly thrust upon her, she has no choice but to run away too and search for him. Who would have thought that Lu Ning, newly arrived in the martial world, would fall into a marriage-fraud scheme at a banquet hosted by the Luo family? It turns out the so-called banquet is actually a matchmaking e 347Reads9.4Score105Shelves
44. 144 冒EN Impostor of the Langya Clan 冒姓琅琊 Eastern Zhou Young Master Nan东周公子南Historical1.6M WordsOngoing (Also known as “The Matter of Me Pretending to Be a Nobleman of the Southern Dynasties”) To transmigrate isn’t a dinner party. It’s a deadly game at every turn. The south is beautiful, yet lofty ambitions often fade away. Since ancient times, the Southern Dynasties have been weak, their heroes short-lived. No golden finger, no System, and no second chance at life. Everything starts from zero! Original owner’s memories: none! Identity: none! Supplies: none! When transmigration becomes reality, ho 493.7kReads9.7Score71.7kShelves

    Reader note

    It looks great, hahaha

45. 145 大 The Dali Temple Vice Minister’s Two-Faced Husband 大理寺少卿的双面夫君 Yan Tan Qian Ye言覃浅野Ancient Romance492k WordsOngoing [A couple who start out hating each other and become truly devoted] [Mystery and deduction] [Historical romance] [Clever heroine] [Scheming hero] [The story opens with a political plotline] [The individual cases begin in Chapter Five] Cheng Wanrou, an Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, is married off by the emperor to Xiao Qingyuan, the Censor-in-Chief. Since they are pawns in the emperor's power struggle, they can't stand one another at first. Cheng Wanrou always assumes Xiao Q 62Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient Chinese political intrigue and crime-solving novel

46. 146 与 With Jin Chang’an (Based on the Screen Adaptation Starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei) 与晋长安（宋轶、丞磊主演影视原著） Jiu Lu Feixiang九鹭非香Ancient Romance155k WordsCompleted The hit drama starring Song Yi and Cheng Lei is now airing! A beloved historical romance by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang! Female general vs. puppy-like boy. The child she casually picked up turns out to have two sides? A cold little gentleman by day, a loyal black knight by night. Is he a puppy turning into a wolf, and which side is the real him? A tale of love and hate between a female general and the heir of an enemy state! Li Shuang, the adopted daughter of a great general, guards the borders of the Grea 5.9kReads9.6Score957Shelves
47. 147 不 Unawakened 不悟 Ze Mu则慕Ancient Romance157k WordsCompleted The disgraced minister Gu Hongjian died in battle at Huzhou. After death, a wisp of her ghost returned to the side of her king, Lin Sizhe. Everyone called her a treacherous minister who deserved to be reviled. Only she knew that she had spent nearly her entire life living for Lin Sizhe. But even she never expected that she wouldn't let Lin Sizhe go, even as a ghost. She was supposed to watch him enjoy the spoils of victory she had won for him, then carry on sweet-talking another woman. Gu Hongji 1.5kReads9.2Score135Shelves
48. 148 七 Her Seven Brothers Died in Battle, and the Legitimate Daughter Returned Darkened 七个哥哥战死沙场，嫡女黑化归来 Wild Donkey Tribe野驴部落Ancient Romance1.1M WordsOngoing [Historical romance, court intrigue, palace and household scheming, reborn, joining forces, legitimate daughter, revenge, two formidable leads, transmigrate into a book, seven older brothers, no saintly heroine, miracle doctor, adored by all, comeback, punishing scoundrels, imperial uncle, devoted husband, devoted couple] The comment section is 99% positive! Read with confidence! “Shen Nanqiao, being chosen to marry into the Eastern Palace is a blessing for your Duke of Zhenguo household!” Rebor 4.1kReads7.2Score804Shelves

    Reader note

    No more feeling lost in a reading slump! This book is definitely worth following. The plot is engaging, the characters are compelling, and there's no disappointing ending. You won't regret reading it; you'll want more after you finish! A highly recommended gem! The plot is tight and fast-paced, with plenty of exciting moments that don't feel frustrating. The writing is smooth and immersive. Once you start reading, you'll be hooked and won't want to put it down! I've discovered a treasure of a novel, with likable characters, an explosive plot, and no dull moments. If you like this genre, don't miss it! [Cool]

49. 149 宫 The Willow by the Palace Wall 宫墙柳 Dream Doll梦娃Ancient Romance166k WordsCompleted Why must the imperial consorts compete for the emperor’s favor? A smash-hit, heart-wrenching historical romance that burst onto the scene in 2019! Recommended by countless tearful readers, this unconventional palace-intrigue novel will stay with you long after you finish. In the lightest of styles, it captures everyone’s deepest regrets. In May of the year I turned fourteen, with the pagoda trees in fragrant bloom, I sat in Yong’an Palace, propping up my head as I dozed. The man’s laughter held 48.6kReads9.7Score7.1kShelves
50. 150 武 Martial World, Don't Bully Me: I Have a Demon Blade 武侠，休要欺负我，我有一把魔刀 Huang Xiaozhao0黄小招0Martial Arts216k WordsOngoing The martial world was never a place for settling scores with satisfying vengeance. It was a place filled with deceit, coldness, and hurt... Yan Xiaoxiang watched his family home destroyed and his loved ones die with his own eyes. His young heart was burdened with the pain of the world. A demonic blade fell into his hands. It could kill, and it could ensnare the mind... In the end, he chose to kill! 1.8kReads—Score—Shelves

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